Tokyo Man Arrested for Selling Sleeping Pills to Minor in Kabukicho

Police in Tokyo’s Kabukicho district arrested 24‑year‑old Shota Inoue, known locally as “Inochi,” on suspicion of selling sleeping pills and tranquilizers to a 16‑year‑old high‑school girl. Investigators say Inoue collected prescription medicines from minors who received virtually free medical care, instructed them to obtain drugs at hospitals, and then sold roughly 200‑420 tablets for 90,000‑190,000 yen.

The alleged offenses began in May 2026 and involved repeated sales to the teenager for potential overdose use. Inoue admitted the accusations. The Metropolitan Police urged the public to be wary of adults exploiting vulnerable youths with illicit drug transactions.